From Corporate Fashion to Creative Freedom | Alicia Appleton | Founder of Amber Poitier

Alicia Appleton left a corporate fashion career to build Amber Poitier, a leather accessories brand inspired by art, architecture, and the women who wear them. Her work blends bold design with timeless craftsmanship, and her journey is about more than style. It is about the courage to leave the safe path, trust your instincts, and create a life on your own terms. Alicia shares how her Jamaican heritage and early creative influences shaped her aesthetic, why she believes boundaries are essential for sustainable success, and how she navigates the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. We talk about the leap from corporate life to small business ownership, finding confidence in your vision, and building a community that fuels you. Her story is a blueprint for anyone ready to turn a personal passion into a thriving, values-driven brand. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Alicia Appleton, Founder of Amber Poitier 03:15 Growing Up Creative and Inspired by Jamaican Roots 07:20 Lessons Learned from Corporate Fashion 10:40 Deciding to Leave the Corporate World for Entrepreneurship 14:00 Building Amber Poitier from the Ground Up 18:10 Finding Inspiration in Art, Architecture, and Culture 21:45 The Role of Boundaries in Creative Success 25:00 Navigating the Highs and Lows of Running a Brand 29:20 Balancing Creative Work with Business Demands 33:10 How Heritage Shapes Her Design Philosophy 37:00 Building Confidence and Owning Your Vision 41:30 Creating a Supportive Network of Women Entrepreneurs 45:00 Advice for Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship 48:20 Defining Success Beyond the Bottom Line The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices